The streets of Charleston are known to flood when it rains. If you haven’t seen it already, you will. You might be walking to class after a huge storm and realize you have to alter your route due to flooded streets. It seems like getting soaked every time it rains downtown is inevitable, but there is hope! Here are some tips for how to stay dry when it starts raining cats and dogs.
Wear rain boots
If you don’t already have a good pair of rain boots, go buy some. Right now! There’s nothing worse than having to walk around campus in the rain in soaking wet shoes because you don’t have any that are waterproof. Any rain boots will do. Just make sure they’re tall enough that you can walk through the giant puddles without getting dirty rain water in your shoes.
Invest in a good rain coat
A good rain coat is even more important than having rain boots. It’s always best to opt for a name brand jacket that’s made specifically for the rain. The others will work for a little while, but eventually you and your jacket will be soaked and freezing cold. Check out eBay or Amazon for the best prices.
Carry an umbrella at all times
Downtown, a rain coat or jacket is the best option, because you don’t have to worry about hitting someone with your umbrella on the narrow sidewalks. But it never hurts to carry a small umbrella in your book bag or purse in case of a freak storm.
ALWAYS check the weather ahead of time
It may sound annoying to have to check the weather every morning, but it’s not as hard as it sounds. Most smart phones already have a weather app built in, so just take a minute or two to check it out as you’re getting ready for class. Better to be prepared than to get stuck in a monsoon on the way back from class.